Archives: December 2016

If you are a California notary, you are very excited for the new year to arrive. This means big changes that include more money. California has now passed a bill that allows notaries to raise the limit they are allowed to charge. Ajua Bail Bonds is here to talk a bit more about what this means for California notaries.

California Maximum Notary Fees Increase & Other Changes

The last time California notary limits were raised was in 1993. At that time the limit was set at $10. Here we are more than two decades later, and the limit is finally being raised. California Governor Jerry Brown has authorized the new cap be set at $15, giving California notaries a raise of 50%. This isn’t the only change that will be taking place for California notaries. The changes include:
• Acceptable Forms of ID– There are a few changes that will be happening with the forms of ID that will be accepted. Now if a person is showing a foreign passport to prove their identity, they don’t have to have a current visa stamp on them from USCIS or DHS. Also, if a person has an ID card issued to them from a federally recognized tribal government, it is accepted. And lastly, a valid consular identification card is accepted when it is issued by the consulate of a person’s country of citizenship.
• Acceptable Delivery Methods & Notary ID– This law states that it is now acceptable to communicate with the country and state by certified mail or any other mail that produces a receipt of the transaction. When filing the oath at the county office, notaries are required to show an acceptable ID.
• Maximum Fees Allowed– The maximum fees allowed has been increased by 50% from $10 now to $15.

Push to Raise California Notary Fees

There is overwhelming support for this change. Getting the minimum fees raised means a lot to California notaries and their businesses. Notaries played a big role in getting the ball rolling with more than 1,200 messages being sent after an article was published in the Notary Bulletin in which the author encouraged notaries to get involved.

Notary Fees by State

It isn’t just California that is calling for change. Kentucky, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia have all made changes to notary fees. There are many other states that are also considering making changes. Kentucky not only changed fees but they have made it possible for notaries to come up with their own fees for notarizations. There are many in California that still feel like that should be the change made there as well.

Bail Bond Services in Selma & Fresno County, Atwater & Merced County, Visalia & Tulare County, Hanford & Kings County, Madera County and the Central Valley of California

Here at Ajua Bail Bonds, you don’t have to worry about getting your bail bond notarized elsewhere. We can do that for you right here. If you have a loved one that you need to get home as soon as possible we can help. Call us today!

Nothing is quite as shaming as an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend posting revenge porn to get back at you. You may not even know what this is unless it has happened to you or someone you know. This is an ever-growing problem, and California is starting to show those posting revenge porn that they don’t turn a blind eye to it. Ajua Bail Bonds is here to talk about California’s revenge porn law and how it could affect you.

What is Revenge Porn & How Does it Get Revenge on Your Ex?

Revenge porn is the ultimate version of invasion of privacy. This happens when someone either hacks into your computer or an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend posts provocative pictures of your private or intimate body parts. The sharing of these photos or videos is done without the consent of the person in them. This act can end up causing emotional distress as well as damage a person’s reputation. California is making it known that this is illegal and there will be consequences for such actions.

What are the Penalties for Revenge Porn?

This crime is classified as a misdemeanor in the state of California. When convicted of revenge porn charges, you could face six months in jail as well as a fine of up to $1,000. If you commit this crime against a minor, you are worse off, facing a year in jail and $2,000 in fines. In this case, you could also be facing child pornography charges as well.

What Defines Revenge Pornography?

In order to prove that this crime did indeed happen and the prosecution take place, the victim needs to be able to prove a few things about the defendant. Here they are:
1. When these pictures and videos were made, there was a mutual understanding that they would be kept confidential.
2. These pictures were distributed and the victim is identifiable in them.
3. The distribution of such images and videos was done to cause emotional pain and distress to the victim.
4. There is indeed emotional distress from the distribution of the videos and photos.

How to Protect Yourself from Being Posted on a Revenge Porn Site

The obvious answer to protection against revenge porn, would be to not participate in the recording or shooting of any video and photos that put you in a position when your intimate body parts are exposed. If you find yourself a victim of revenge porn, you need to report it right away. This is best done in person and not over the phone or email. You will also want to find the right representation. Look for a lawyer that will do the job right and get you the justice you deserve.

Bail Bond Services in Selma & Fresno County, Atwater & Merced County, Visalia & Tulare County, Hanford & Kings County, Madera County and the Central Valley of California

Revenge porn is becoming a bigger problem each day. If you or someone you love is in jail on revenge porn charges, you will want to get them home as soon as you can. Contact Ajua Bail Bonds to help you in getting those you love home soon. Call us today!

When a case is brought before a judge, the judge is the person that sets the bail amount for that person. They can either stick to the standard bail amount, raise the amount, or even deny that person be let out on bail altogether. You may be wondering what helps a judge decide a bail amount. Ajua Bail Bonds is here to talk about the variables that help a judge set a bail amount for a defendant.

Factors Judges Consider When Setting Bail Amounts

Since there is no case that’s the same, it only makes sense that bail amounts wouldn’t be the same as well. Here are some factors that go into the bail amount set by a judge:
1. Bail Schedules– Bail schedules are bail amounts that have been set for certain crimes. Crimes have been categorized and given a specific bail amount depending on the jurisdiction. If a defendant has any hope of paying less, they have to go before a judge.
2. Severity of the Crime Committed– The bail amount may be higher or lower depending on the severity of the crime that was committed. Also taken into consideration, is the amount of evidence and the case against the defendant, or likelihood of the defendant being convicted.
3. Risk to Public– If the defendant is considered a risk to the public, bail will be set for a higher amount or denied all together. If the defendant didn’t cooperate with law enforcement at the time of the arrest, this will be taken into consideration as well. The more the judge feels the defendant is a danger to those around them, the higher the price for getting out of jail.
4. Defendant’s Ties to the Community– If the defendant has strong ties to the community, they are considered less of a risk. If there are several people that aren’t related to the defendant and can vouch for their involvement in the community and their character, the court is usually more lenient with their bail amount.
5. Past Criminal Record– If the defendant has committed crimes and has an ugly criminal record, the higher the bail amount is going to be to get out of jail. If they show a pattern of criminal behavior, or have a warrant for their arrest in another jurisdiction, bail may be denied altogether.
6. Potential Flight Risk– If the court feels that the defendant is not likely to show up for their court date, or are likely to leave the jurisdiction before they appear in court, they will be facing a higher bail amount or in some cases, be denied bail. Their job history and financial situation may play a role in deciding their likelihood of appearing for their court date. If the defendant has a job they have had for a long period of time and has a reason to stick around, they aren’t considered as much of a flight risk.

Bail Bond Services in Selma & Fresno County, Atwater & Merced County, Visalia & Tulare County, Hanford & Kings County, Madera County and the Central Valley of California